There are a number of new injury concerns for Johan Van Graan as he begins his first week of taking training ahead of the Ospreys clash.
Simon Zebo jarred his knee in the closing stages of the Zebre game and will undergo scan’s to see the extent of the injury, James Hart will be further reviewed by the medics having sustained a dead leg. Stephen Archer was treated for a nasty cut to his forehead but will train as normal this week.
Chris Farrell picked up a knee injury in Ireland’s final November international against Argentina and is likely to be out for about six weeks. A scan after the game confirmed that he had sprained his medial ligament and now returns to the province to further rehab to the knock.
Duncan Willams is expected to train as normal this week whilst Tommy O’Donnell, who missed all of Ireland’s November internationals with a sprained AC joint is likely to return to limited training this week.
Tyler Bleyendaal (neck) is continuing to work with the medical team for ongoing rehab.
Continuing to rehab: Ronan O’Mahony (fibula), Gerbrandt Grobler (ankle), Conor Oliver (shoulder), Dan Goggin (knee), Dave O’Callaghan (knee), Jaco Taute (knee), Niall Scannell (thumb), Keith Earls (hamstring), James Cronin (calf).
Ireland Defence Coach Andy Farrell was also on site in the HPC today as he linked up with the squad in providing training support to the backroom team.
Farrell, along with Conor Murray, Peter O’Mahony, CJ Stander started for Joe Schmidt’s side in their win over the Argentines with Dave Kilcoyne, John Ryan, Ian Keatley and Andrew Conway all coming off the bench.
Four Greencore academy members made an appearance in the senior side’s win over Zebre, with a number of their colleagues making appearances in the Ulster Bank League.
In Garryowen’s win over Trinity on Saturday, senior members Dave Johnston and Mike Sherry started whilst Academy winger Liam Coombes scored a hat trick of tries.
Five academy members were involved in Young Munster’s narrow loss to Clontarf at Tom Clifford park on Saturday with four for the home side and one for the Dublin side. Alan Tynan kicked two conversions and a penalty as Daniel Hurley, Fineen Wycherley and Gavin Coombes also started for Munsters with Jack Power at full-back for Clontarf.
Jack O’Sullivan started for UCC in their narrow loss to Ballynahinch at the Mardyke.
Joey Conway started in the front row for UL Bohs in their second win of the season in the league against Dolphin.
Conor Fitzgerald scored a try and kicked two conversions and a penalty in Shannon’s win over Ballymena to remain top of the league whilst John Foley started at No.8 for Tom Hayes’ side.